TABLE OF CONTENTS Pages Symposium 1 - the National Sea ...

Predictive Computer Modeling of Growth and Feeding Rates
for Pacific White Shrimp, Penaeus vanammei, in Hard
Freshwater
Abstract
Anthony F. Pegel, Master of Science Candidate
Dr. J. Richard Booth, Associate Professor
Department of Chemical Engineering
Tennessee Technological University
If the United States is to find its niche in shrimp aquaculture production, non-traditional
methods of shrimp farming must be used to overcome the climatic incompatibility and strict
environmental regulations. Non-traditional shrimp production must also find ways to
significantly reduce capital and operational costs. Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS),
which support high population densities and precise control of the suitable growth environment
through water reuse, offer a method appropriate to addressing these obstacles.
The goal of this investigation was to determine whether a model based on a material balance of
essential and required nutritional components could be used to evaluate the quality of
experimental rations. The model used a material balance to predict the lipid and amino acid
components required in the feed based on the analysis of these components in the shrimp tail
muscle.
The preliminary data demonstrated feed rates based solely on protein content yield
unpredictable growth. Rations ranging from 30% - 45% protein yielded growth rates varying
as much as 20% irrespective of feed rate or protein level. This suggests that feed rates based
on specific nutritional requirements may be more practical. The data also demonstrated an
increase in mortality as feed decreased. The groups receiving the least feed exhibited
significantly higher rates of predation. The data also yielded a directly proportional relationship
between growth and temperature, with no optimum temperature found, but an inversely
proportional relationship between specific growth and size. These preliminary results
demonstrate the need for further study in this area.
Introduction
Worldwide shrimp aquaculture production is currently dominated by pond cultures in tropical
regions. Open pond systems, using Macrobrachium Rosenbergii, are spreading to freshwater
ponds throughout the U.S. but these systems are seasonally restricted and cannot compete with
producers capable of year-round production. Research and demonstration based recirculating
facilities have produced consistent harvests of shrimp in Florida and Hawaii, but these facilities
are too small to compete with established production facilities.
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